Weekly Comic Book Review

By Matt Fraction (Writer), Salvador Larroca (Artist), and Frank D’Armata (Colorist)

Invincible Iron Man #3 can be summed up in two words: “Heck yeah!” I’m currently fighting a huge urge to give a massive spoiler, but I will resist. Suffice to say, this issue is the most pleasing yet. After the explosion that ended the previous installment, we see the aftermath this time around. As Tony attempts to scour the blast zone for clues to this terrorist attack he is interrupted by a Chinese version of “Cape-Killers.” This leads to this issue’s big fight scene, and it actually pulls off a comedic flavor. Another big focus is a summary of Tony’s past with Obadiah Stane. Not only does this serve as information for movie fans who don’t know too much comic book history, it also fits well into the story and doesn’t seem to be the blatant recap that it is.

These two elements might make the issue feel just like a fill-in type story, but luckily we also have the critical condition of one of the survivors to worry about. In fact, this person’s injuries seem eerily similar to, well, I can’t say. Indeed, there may only be one way to save this person’s life… (this is where I stop; I don’t want to make it too obvious). And while this may be the birth of a new hero, we also get a glimpse at Ezekiel’s current plan; it looks as though he may be following his father’s footsteps in more than one way. I gotta say, the teasers littered throughout are enough to excite me more than any recent comic.

Even the art was better this time. Salvador Larroca’s pencils have always been strong, but Frank D’Armata, whose coloring is always solid in Captain America, seems to drop the ball with this series. The last two issues, his skin tones have given the characters a “fake computer” look, even seeming pixelated at times. While that is still evident in this issue, it is not nearly as bad as it has been.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, anyone who loved the Iron Man movie half as much as I did needs to pick this series up immediately. The transition from movie to comic is uncannily smooth (especially when taken into account that Fraction had no knowledge of what the movie or its tone would be like). The differences between the two are explained in the context of the story, while all the best elements from the film are still present. Invincible Iron Man is the must read new series of 2008. (Grade: A-)

-M. Staples

Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Frank D’Armata, Invincible Iron Man, Invincible Iron Man #3, Iron Man, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matt Fraction, Salvador Larroca